1.

What is the power of story? Describe some ways in which fictional narratives have impacted you and your life.

The power of story is the power to connect people to each other. Shared experience is how we feel seen and understood and loved. Every Judy Blume book I read as a kid resonated with me. Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret? prepared me for getting my period! Deenie, for my first kiss. Blubber and Sheila The Great! All so meaningful to me.

Why do you read?

Well first and foremost, for exactly the reason I said above: to feel seen and understood. But also to dream, to imagine what is possible and to fantasize about what isn’t. I suppose I read not to escape reality but to feel awe.

2.

We have a friend who has a “Sanity Shelf” dedicated to books she returns to again and again, to reread for pleasure, knowledge, and solace.
What books would be on your Sanity Shelf?

3.

4.

If you were to write your memoir, what would you title it and why?

An Evolutionary Woman and you’ll have to read it to find out why.

Please name three books you recommend.

All 3 volumes of Dante’s Divine Comedy (but Purgatory was my favorite) and Ready Player One by Ernest Cline.

5.